Dubai International closes in on top spot

Double-digit passenger traffic growth continued at Dubai International for the seventh consecutive month during February, according to the latest traffic statistics issued by operator Dubai Airports.

Passenger traffic reached 5,675,246 in February 2014, up 11.7 per cent from 5,080,360 recorded during the same month in 2013.

Traffic was boosted by network expansion primarily from home carriers flydubai and Emirates Airline.

Year to date passenger traffic rose 13.5 per cent to 12,075,952 passengers, up from 10,640,120 during the first two months of 2013.

Regionally, the Indian subcontinent recorded the highest growth in passenger numbers (up 121,794 passengers) during the period, followed by Western Europe (up 117,256), AGCC (up 102,217 passengers) and Asia (up 66,925 passengers).

Australasia was the fastest-expanding market in terms of percentage growth (up 30.5 per cent) as a result of Emirates’ partnership with Qantas, followed by Asia (up 18.4 per cent), Eastern Europe (up 17.4 per cent) and North America (up 16.2 per cent).

India remained the top destination country (699,179 passengers) with financial capital Mumbai as the busiest destination, followed by Saudi Arabia (434,454 passengers) and the UK (405,141 passengers).

Doha was placed number one on the list of top destination cities followed closely by London, Kuwait and Jeddah.

Total aircraft movements rose four per cent to 29,220 during the month compared to 28,085 movements recorded during the same period last year.

Year to date aircraft movements came in at 61,845, rising 4.1 per cent from the 59,417 movements recorded during the same period in 2013.

Passengers per aircraft movements in February rose 3.9 per cent to 209 from 201 recorded during the same period last year.

Freight volumes rose 3.4 per cent in February 2014 to 188,702 tonnes compared to 182,580 tonnes recorded in February 2013.

“We’ve had a great start to the year and February’s traffic gains bring us one step closer to the number one position for international passenger traffic.

“With only a little more than 800,000 passengers separating Dubai International from London Heathrow during 2013, we are on track to take over the top spot by 2015,” said Paul Griffiths, chief executive, Dubai Airports.